Orrin Hatch points to experience, seniority as reasons to keep him in office

Comments

When I read that Hatch was asked by the Utah state legislature to periodically
account his activities to them, and he replied, "I don't report to
state legislatures!", I was incensed! Who does that man think he is??? If
Hatch is NOT accountable to the elected representatives of his home state, then
who does he report to??? What atrocious arrogance! It's past time for
that guy to retire!

Longevity in service is one thing, but when the
power with seniority is abused, then it's time to extend the privilege of
public service to someone else. Hatch didn't want to debate his opponent
ahead of the primary. In the "token" radio debate he did participate in,
he whined the whole time about NOT getting enough credit for ALL his many
accomplishments. His name-dropping is off the radar screens! Let's see,
Bangerter, Garn, Hansen, Sarah Palin (like that one's going to help him),
and this CEO lady that likely is on the Hatch re-election committee.
That's quite a collection down "memory lane". Even Mitt Romney is
exploited to Hatch's supposed benefit.

Ultimately, I see one
desperate, elderly, elitist politician "clinging" to power.

PeanutGallerySalt Lake City, UT

June 21, 2012 1:07 p.m.

Re: Iron&clay: You're exactly right. You're referring to the
flyer about the 17th Amendment. Repealing this amendment would wisely make
senators more accountable to their states and state legislatures once again.
This amendment has contributed to an elitism in the Senate, where the Senate
tells the states what to do. That's backwards. Dan Liljenquist is
rightly in favor of changing this, so that senators are more answerable to their
own states.

In 2011 the Utah legislature asked our two U.S. senators
if they could meet with the legislature periodically to report on what they were
doing in Washington. Sen. Mike Lee, realizing the importance of that
communication and the folly of the 17th Amendment, readily agreed. But. Sen.
Hatch was offended and arrogantly replied, "I don't ANSWER to the state
legislature!" Wow.

In reality I think Hatch fully understands
the significance of the 17th Amendment and how it protects his Washington
elitism. But in his zeal to retain power, Hatch is dishonestly twisting the
issue in this flyer to make it look like Liljenquist is the elitist. Sorry,
Sen. Hatch, but your elitism and arrogance are showing through loud and clear.

iron&clayRIVERTON, UT

June 21, 2012 8:19 a.m.

I was re-considering voting for Hatch until he sent a flyer in the mail that
shows his utter ignorance on the value of having senators held accountable to
state legislatures and looking out for states rights instead of centralizing
power in Federal government.

I am definitly now voting for
Liljenquist.

Power back to the states and the people!

TwyrchKnightdale, NC

June 20, 2012 6:56 a.m.

@LifeLong Republican I understand how you think that Orrin Hatch would be good
to have because of his "experience", but its exactly that experience
which makes him unqualified. Over the last 36 years, he has reached across the
aisle to Liberals for compromise. Has that helped our debt go down? Is
Washington a less corrupt place? We need people to stand firm on convictions,
not toe the Liberal line to make friends. This isn't about making friends
with Liberals and being invited to parties or chairing committees. It isn't
MONOPOLY. This is about making hard choices and doing what is right for AMERICA,
not just UTAH.

"I am totally for Eric Holder, who I think is
qualified, a capable man, a good man and would I have picked him, maybe not, but
I still think he's a very qualified guy and we ought to be glad that the
President picked somebody of his dimension that can come in to Justice at this
time." - Orrin Hatch

Multiple decades of being a senator is really not a plus in my book. It just
means you have become too stagnent. Not a good thing.

Scotty BoyLogan, UT

June 19, 2012 2:58 p.m.

Back when Bill Clinton was running for President, a person came into the
business that I was working at wanting money for Orrin Hatch. I told him that I
didn't have any money for him. He said that I could still ask a question of
Senator Hatch. The question I asked him was, How come he supported abortions on
military bases. The respone that I got back was, "to get soemthing I had to
give something". How many times has this happened in the past and how many
more times is this going to happen in the next six years that he will be in
office.It is time for him to come home. For all of those that support
Hatch, Crapo would be the better man for the Job. Do not let him fool you, there
are many in Washington that are "wolves in sheeps clothing". I think
Hatch is one of them, and has been for along time. Take a "Vacation"
Senator Hatch it will do you good, and the people of Utah and the country.

nickProvo, UT

June 19, 2012 9:13 a.m.

Orrin's time has past. At 78, he lacks the energy and strength of mind to
be effective. Whatever advantage he has with his seniority is canceled by his
physical decline. If he is reelected, I doubt he'll serve out his term.

ZSouth Jordan, UT

June 19, 2012 9:02 a.m.

Experience and Seniority are useful only when they are used to serve the people.
Hatch has proved in the last 36 years that seniority is only used to serve his
own interests.

When you see the Hatch campaign use the words
'Experience' and 'Seniority', substitute 'Worn
Out' and 'Corrupt' and see how the message changes.

PeanutGallerySalt Lake City, UT

June 19, 2012 7:37 a.m.

On the lighter side: A Hatch mailer arrived Tuesday, and it attempts to
convince us how 'horrible' it is that Liljenquist is in favor of
repealing the 17th Amendment. But it's another of Sen. Hatch's
superficial scare tactics. Actually, repealing the 17th Amendment is a GREAT
idea, because this will make senators more accountable to their own states once
again (imagine that!). Many people are waking up to this fact. I'm sure
we'll have more scary mailers from Hatch throughout the week.

The Hatch campaign was in such a rush to get this mailer out to us, that the
wording includes three GLARING typos. Pretty funny. It's another sign
that Hatch is DESPERATE to hang onto his power.

On a serious note,
though: If you need more evidence of how Hatch's many years in Washington
have led to compromising his principles, see Tuesday's on-line Deseret News
article about Hatch's crony capitalism (in the search box, type "crony
capitalism").

The article shows how Hatch has his own Solyndra, a
now-bankrupt "green energy" company called Raser Technologies, to which
Hatch funneled millions of earmarked taxpayer dollars. Pretty eye-opening!

raybiesLayton, UT

June 19, 2012 6:44 a.m.

All the comments about being too old make me sick. I guess old people are no
good unless they're busy caring for their grand kids? Orin Hatch's
service is commendable. He's given a lifetime of service to our country,
and his seniority is worth more than money to Utah.

And anyone that
thinks Hill AFB is safe from anything, has no idea how the AF works. Again,
Hatch has done a lot of great work for the state of Utah, and because of general
malcontents, his considerable service record is dismissed and mischaracterized
to make him appear something he isn't.

If he wins, Dan
won't have the ability to much of anything for the state of Utah or the
country for another 20 years. I'd rather not wait that long.

donburiSouth Jordan, UT

June 18, 2012 11:32 p.m.

"Orrin Hatch points to experience, seniority (age) as reasons to keep him in
office"

Actually those are the two main reasons NOT to vote for
Hatch. His support of Holder is insane, and most likely a hint of things
to come if he continues.Crapo from Idaho as new chairman of finance
committee would be a plus for Utah, so Hatch's scare tactics about losing
his seniority have no merit.

I like Romney and Bangerter, but their
support of Hatch is very disappointing.It's long past time for Hatch
to go. Glad to see that most commenters here agree.

patriotCedar Hills, UT

June 18, 2012 3:05 p.m.

Hatch is 80 years old and ought to be fishing with his grand kids - great grand
kids. Time for Orin to bow out and let someone with energy and new conservative
ideals march forward. I don't understand why Hatch wants to keep going ...
time to pass the torch.

Anti Bush-ObamaWashington, DC

June 18, 2012 10:58 a.m.

Hatch or Lilenquist say nothing on their websites about aboloshing the patriot
act. Both guys seem awfully silent when it comes to surveilance without a
warrant. It's just proves that they are phony establishment candidates.

swede1952Smithfield, UT

June 18, 2012 10:14 a.m.

"Tough Old Birds" are NOT worth "catching" because the meat is
hard "to chew" and it's also "hard to swallow".
There's a lot of metaphor in that one! Think about it. Why does a 78 year
old man want 6 more years of office? ANSWER: power and ego (it doesn't
take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.) Those of you wringing your
hands with claims of SENIORITY and CHAIRMANSHIP, please give the rest of us a
break! We're NOT buying it!

Hatch is elderly. Why do you think
he's NOT on TV debating a 37 year old? Because he doesn't want to
come across as an old man. Geez, is that so hard to figure out? His avoidance
and seclusion ONLY leads a thinking person to question "Why he's NOT in
front of voters?" The reason is obvious!

Dan holds the edge over
Hatch. He's smart, he's proven, he's a leader, he can get the
job done! He will bring pride and prestige to our state. Don't let
naysayers convince you otherwise. Dan's Time is Now, and we are fortunate
he's willing to serve Utahns!

BifftacularSpanish Fork, Ut

June 18, 2012 9:52 a.m.

The questions I wish Doug Wright would have asked Sen. Hatch:

1) If
experience is the "end all be all" why did you run against Moss 36 years
ago? He (Moss) was clearly the more experienced candidate at the time.2)
What exactly does "I'm a tough old bird" mean? The old birds
I've seen get eaten by cats.3) What does "he's a fine
fellow" mean (when referring to Liljenquist)? A) Who is this pipsqueak and
how dare he challenge me B) He doesn't have a prison record, C) I wish I
could strangle you right now with my bare hands4) When you reached
"across the political isle", why was it necessary to practically make
out with Sen. Kennedy?5) Why should the people of Utah reelect you (AGAIN)
to the US Senate when within the next six years there is a very HIGH likelihood
you won't be capable of even operating a vehicle?

HuntSpanish Fork, UT

June 18, 2012 1:31 a.m.

@sherlock holmes

In the spirit of what's best for this country,
I prefer Senator Crapo from Idaho, the next in line after Hatch and a true
conservative.

Why vote for a candidate who has no problem misleading
his own electorate and using scare tactics to get their vote? He is asked if he
thinks he his even partly responsible for the financial mess we are in and he
says no. What arrogance. He touts Medicare part D, a 16 trillion dollar
unfunded liability. So that isn't part of the problem? Really Senator
Hatch? Honesty isn't one of Hatches strong points.

So no,
Seniority in Hatch's case means nothing to me.

HuntSpanish Fork, UT

June 18, 2012 1:15 a.m.

@JWB

I don't nor have I ever worked at Hill AFB. Lets forget
the point of whether or not he has say in what bases close. Lets instead focus
on the fact that he and his campaign invented this issue out of thin air. Hill
is NOT under threat of being closed. The only reason I can think of for them to
bring this fake issue up is to scare the electorate into voting for him.

Dan Liljenquist was the primary writer of the Bills he championed and
helped pass. When he touts his work on the bills it doesn't make him
dishonest. I don't think I ever heard him say he did it by himself. I
believe he said he went to everyone to get their input. I haven't heard
Liljenquist say anything as blatantly misleading or dishonest as the claims made
from Hatch and his campaign.

satchHighland, UT

June 17, 2012 10:24 p.m.

I listened to the debate and have supported Hatch in the past. Now I know why
Hatch won't debate. He sounds old, crass, and whiny. He didn't
defend himself or his own votes on bills well at all.

From the
beginning I questioned his use of "scare tactics." Retirement is
awaiting Senator Hatch.

sherlock holmesEastern, UT

June 17, 2012 9:20 p.m.

I'm not convinced. And I know both men. Dan L's time could be in two
or four more years or even six. He is young, smart, with lots of future in
front of him.

When he tells another senior Senator from another
state that a proposal that would hurt Utah will not be considered, it is
respected, probably not questioned. Dan L would bring no such authority. Mike
Lee, on the hard political issues, doesn't have that stature yet either.
He needs six more years to get it.

PeanutGallerySalt Lake City, UT

June 17, 2012 9:04 p.m.

Re: Sherlock Holmes: In the right hands, yes, being chairman of the Senate
Finance Committee could be valuable. But Sen. Hatch is NOT "the right
hands." He has become too entrenched in Washington culture, with
big-government/big-spending habits. He owes too many favors to too many
people. Recently Hatch talks a good game, but in reality he would have a very
difficult time reversing course and helping to solve the crushing problems he
helped to create.

This is a case where I would definitely prefer
Liljenquist. He has the knowledge, skills, experience, and fresh energy to be
an effective senator right off the bat, and he isn't burdened by
Hatch's Washington baggage. Liljenquist's real-world financial
turn-around experience makes him better qualified than Hatch to help fix our
nation's fiscal crisis.

Sen. Hatch's seniority is worthless
(and even a LIABILITY) when he's part of the problem. That's one of
the big reasons why I support Liljenquist.

toshi1066OGDEN, UT

June 17, 2012 6:47 p.m.

How conveniently he has forgotten that Moss was in Congrees far too long at 18
years and he, himself, has doubled that..

Oh Irony how I love thee.
Time to come home Mr. Hatch.

sherlock holmesEastern, UT

June 17, 2012 6:28 p.m.

@ Hunt

Appreciate your perspective.

As you know, we are
entering a new climate of budget cuts and forced reductions (at least we hope).

Do you think a senior senator, possibly a chair, on the Finance
Committee would be more valuable than a new one on the Agriculture Committee, or
wherever Dan L would be put?

Be honest. Seems to me the Finance
Committee Senior Senator would be worth far more. That is why I support Hatch.

JWBKaysville, UT

June 17, 2012 5:59 p.m.

Senator Hatch is sage and he is the most appropriate for the State of Utah at
this time and means a lot to the system. To say that he doesn't add
anything to the BRAC process is not necessarily true. It is not just a direct
process and the BRAC is a lot political. If someone works at Hill AFB, that
doesn't make him or her an expert on BRAC. So many people that comment are
shooting from the hip regarding comments or history or facts. Dan may have
youth, but for him to say he got all those bills passed this session is not
completely true, either. It takes a team of people to get anything done and if
he acts as if he did it on his own, the people that helped through the process
are not honest, either.

Doug10Roosevelt, UT

June 17, 2012 5:24 p.m.

When you find a senator that can do what I do.......that is hard to find a
senator who can not show one thing he accomplished in the past 2 years.

I'm appalled that Hatch supported and voted for Holder. What a misread of
character, but then again over the years, Hatch has made some horrendous choices
and doesn't know good character when it's staring him in the face.
Take the time and go back to those who have served him in his offices and on his
committees and you'd be shocked at those type of people who were chosen.
Horrendous. Those that this guy chose were never the best, more like political
parasites who for some reason fooled this now old guy. Thirtysix years is too
long. For the sake of our country, send Hatch home. Let him retire at his own
expense and not on our.

sgnewhall, CA

June 17, 2012 2:55 p.m.

Hatch IS Frank Moss. He's old. If seniority is the sole criteria to get
anything done in Congress, then it's time for the people to demand change
in that seniority no longer plays that role. The whole idea of seniority is a
lie that is in the best interest of those who want to serve in Congress. It is
their way of staying there for life. Hatch has been in Congress for 36
years...way too long. Thus he is Frank Moss. Hatch must go. He has done nothing
to ensure our freedoms in this Congress. Go home Hatch and write your poems and
pseudo songs that no one cares to listen to. You're old, slow, and frankly
are begging for a final term. Let's grant him a quick retirement. Yes to
Dan.

HuntSpanish Fork, UT

June 17, 2012 2:25 p.m.

@sherlock holmes

"How hard is is to fly 35 bombers to a new air
force base? Not hard at all. Logisitical support is mobile as well. The four
services do these kind of movements all the time."

I've
lived around the Air Force most of my life. Moving an entire operation is not
easy and not cheap. Your statement only serves to show the lack of knowledge you
have on the subject.

"People with clout and some say on federal
budgets make a lot of difference there. Don't kid yourselves on this
one."

No one is kidding themselves on this one. Except for those
that think a senior member on the finance committee has any say when it comes to
base closings. On top of that, there is no threat in Washington to close more
bases in the foreseeable future. Hatch made the issue up in an attempt to scare
the electorate (and presumably you) into voting for him.

SPSalt Lake City, UT

June 17, 2012 1:42 p.m.

I listened to the debate. Hatch sounded old and stubborn. He is a fighter, and
has fought many good fights. But it is time for him to gracefully retire and
let the next generation take a turn.

one old manOgden, UT

June 17, 2012 11:38 a.m.

Scott Howell is the man to replace Hatch.

waterpersonSaint George, UT

June 17, 2012 11:13 a.m.

Hatch sent out letters to the voters saying Barry is a LEGAL PRESIDENT and Hatch
also voted for the NDAA. So let's vote for Dan. And I was once a big Hatch
supporter. Shame on Hatch. Hatch and Barry Obama must go.

Just
remember Hatch VOTED FOR THE NDAA.

nfsBountiful, UT

June 17, 2012 10:27 a.m.

Ah yes. Another Mike Lee. That's the ticket...

Toro AzzurroSalt Lake City, UT

June 17, 2012 10:21 a.m.

According to the mortality tables I've looked up, Hatch has about a 60%
chance of living another 6 years.

I wish he would have just retired
gracefully instead of trying to mislead all of Utah for one more hurrah. All of
his arguments for reelection are based on nonsense and logical fallacy, as many
commenters have already pointed out. Our only consolation is that he may not
live long enough to vote to raise the debt limit again.

sherlock holmesEastern, UT

June 17, 2012 9:37 a.m.

The posters about HAFB are being unrealistic to think that logic and science
decides where military resources are placed. California Senators and
Representatives would love to have the bombers there, so would New Mexico. And
Obama would not care if they went. He has no reason to do anything for Utah.
How hard is is to fly 35 bombers to a new air force base? Not hard at all.
Logisitical support is mobile as well. The four services do these kind of
movements all the time.

Hill has done a good job. But it takes
more than a 'job well done' to get your way in Washington. People
with clout and some say on federal budgets make a lot of difference there.
Don't kid yourselves on this one.

TwyrchKnightdale, NC

June 17, 2012 8:39 a.m.

"I'm a tough old bird. If you give me one more term, I will make a
difference." - Orrin Hatch

When my grandpa was 78, his decision
making abilities were impared when driving a car. How many 78 year old men would
you feel safe having drive you somewhere? Decision making abilities start to
deteriorate as we get older. Isn't 78 years old enough? Do you really want
him paying bills out of America's checkbook?

If Hatch wants one
more term to "make a difference", is that difference going to be for the
better? In 2008, Obama said he'd fundamentally change this country.
He's kept his word, but we don't like where that change is going.
Listen to what Hatch says about Eric Holder.

"I'm totally
for Eric Holder, who I think is qualified, a capable man, a good man" -
Orrin Hatch

"Eric Holder is a qualified guy. He has made some
mistakes too. He's human. I've made mistakes. I would hope people
wouldn't hold my mistakes against me any more than they hold them against
Eric." - Orrin Hatch

UTAH BillSalt Lake City, UT

June 17, 2012 7:47 a.m.

Hatch, as a senior Senator and chair/co-chair of major committees, endorsed and
passed much of the legislation that led to our current immigration and economic
problems. He turned a blind eye and deaf ear to our repeated requests to do
something about these issues. I was there when he gave a speech to Utah
legislators and he specifically stated he saw no reasons to delved into these
issues because, "I do not see the political will to do so."

CougarBlueHeber City, UT

June 17, 2012 7:36 a.m.

Hatch is duplicitous and deceitful. He campaigned against Moss saying that he
had served 18 years and that was long enough to serve as a Senator. Now this
Senator wants us to forget his comments and elect him to serve up to 42 years.
I agree with MatthewBehun. We need a change in leadership. Hatch is part of
the dysfunctional Congress. They are more worried about reelection than serving
the people who elected. them.

JoeBlowFar East USA, SC

June 17, 2012 6:13 a.m.

There will be many people who would oppose closing base X. You can choose the
base.

And there is a Senator in that state who will fight to keep it
open and can make a justification.(as can the the previous poster)

In the end, it is about protecting ME, or MY STATE, or MY JOB or MY
BROTHERS JOB.

It is NOT about doing what is best for the country.

And powerful people like Hatch know how to work the system to keep his
pork in tact.

Proving again, that we want to cut spending, just not
where it affects me.

Lifelong RepublicanOrem, UT

June 17, 2012 2:37 a.m.

When Romney wins the Presidency, we need Hatch to be there with them. Together
they can fix this economy and this country.

We don't need
another first year senator representing Utah. We need experience and
connections. Hatch has both.

My vote is for Hatch.

PeanutGallerySalt Lake City, UT

June 17, 2012 1:56 a.m.

In the article Sen. Hatch says, "Most of the tea party people are pretty
darn decent people. Some come from the fringe and think they can take over the
system. That's where it gets irritating." TRANSLATION: "Those who
agree with me are decent people. But anyone who disagrees with me is from
'the fringe.' It's irritating that anyone would dare to disagree
with me."

When politicians stay in D.C. too long, the Washington
culture gradually gets inside them and they start to compromise their
principles. Some politicians recognize the warning signs and have the good
sense to step down with dignity. For those who ignore the warning signs, their
motivation shifts, and they sometimes do things that are not in the best
interest of their state or the nation. Exhibit A: Hatch's votes have
contributed to our massive deficits.

Hatch is proud of his
"reaching across the aisle." The problem is that when HATCH does it, he
supports LIBERAL causes, not conservative ones. He also touts his seniority.
But seniority becomes a LIABILITY if you've become part of the problem in
Washington.

Thank goodness for those 32 votes.

HuntSpanish Fork, UT

June 17, 2012 1:32 a.m.

@MatthewBehun

Amen! And if Hatch is willing to mislead his
constituency on a non-issue that was completely drummed up by his campaign, what
else is he willing to mislead Utah on?

MatthewBehunPROVO, UT

June 16, 2012 6:49 p.m.

I wish that the Deseret News, KSL or the SL Tribune would do a fact check on how
Hatch is "saving Hill Air Force Base." I support Liljenquist but my
brother works at Hill so I decided to look into the issue. I learned that the
decision to close a base is entirely based on value to the military and
economics. The next closure process (called BRAC, Google it) isn't even
likely to occur until 2023. Hill has the ONLY access in the country to a live
bombing test and training range and was just awarded contracts for the F-35.
Also, Rob Bishop, who actually serves on the Armed Forces Committee, said during
a delegate meeting that neither he nor Hatch have ANYTHING to do to bring jobs
to Hill. I also just found out that Frank Moss (Hatch's original opponent)
told voters back in 76 that Hill would likely close without his seniority. We
didn't need Moss's seniority then and we definitely don't need
Hatch's now.